March 29, 2026: Dr. Rebecca Grant / Trinidad Aguirre

In this episode of Veterans Radio, host Dale Throneberry welcomes two distinguished guests to discuss pressing issues affecting veterans and national security. First, Dr. Rebecca Grant, a seasoned national security analyst and vice president of the Lexington Institute, provides a detailed update on Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran. She outlines the extensive destruction of Iranian drone and missile infrastructure, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the ongoing efforts to degrade Iran’s military capabilities. Dr. Grant emphasizes the critical role of U.S. air and naval power, the potential involvement of allied forces, and the geopolitical significance of disrupting the Iran-Russia drone supply chain. She also highlights the importance of negotiations, particularly through intermediaries like Pakistan, and the need for accountability regarding Iran’s enriched uranium. In the second half, Trinidad Akiri, CEO of Vets Forever, shares his personal journey as a disabled veteran and founder of a VA-accredited legal advocacy group. He discusses the systemic challenges veterans face in navigating the VA claims process, including lack of transition education, misinformation from unscrupulous 'YouTube experts,' and the emotional toll of feeling undervalued. Akiri stresses the importance of accreditation, early filing, and seeking help from trusted VSOs, while highlighting the life-changing benefits available to veterans and their families—ranging from healthcare and educational grants to home modification assistance and survivor benefits. The episode closes with a powerful reminder of the enduring support network within the veteran community and the importance of holding the government accountable to its promises. Key takeaways include: 1) Veterans should file VA claims as early as possible, ideally within 12 months of discharge, while conditions are still presumptive; 2) Always use VA-accredited representatives—avoid unlicensed 'claim mills' that exploit veterans; 3) Benefits extend beyond disability ratings to include healthcare, education, home grants, and survivor support; 4) Emotional resilience is critical—veterans must give themselves permission to be vulnerable during medical evaluations; 5) The VA backlog is shrinking, but speed should not compromise quality—denials are not final; 6) Family members are entitled to benefits, especially if the veteran passes; 7) Organizations like Vets Forever and Legal Help for Veterans offer free consultations and advocacy; 8) The veteran community must continue to support one another, just as they did in service.